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Classical Music Review

We already have an experimental "Jazz Review" thread. These review threads can serve to compile our own small catalogue: I will try to do this for classical, if the thread picks up (help is welcome!).

In order to simplify reading & compiling, I propose some ground rules for posting that can be fine-tuned as we go along (or abandoned, if we feel restricted). I'm borrowing from Abstract's Jazz thread and modifying accordingly:

*Please change the sub title to read: {Composer}, {work
title};
*CONTINUE onto the 1st line: {main performer(s),i.e.
soloist/conductor/orchestra abbreviated},
{performance /sonic rating}.

This way, readers won't have to expand unless interested in the specific piece.

*Pls keep each post to the music stated in the subtitle. If
you are answering another post, again, pls keep the
musical reference in the subtitle... alternatively, do pls
use different posts for different pieces.

*Performance and sonic ratings on a 1 - 10 scale. In the
body write a short review and at the end put in all album
information (catalog number, label, etc.) so that other A-
goners can easily find it for purchase.

As "charity starts @ home": I will post some of my favourite perf's of Beethoven (piano concerti, violin) this W/E.

Thank you all in advance!
gregm
gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
Orch./M. Sargent. 10/5

I rate Schnabel's playing over Backhaus in these concerti for the passion & the outstanding technique that allows this passion to be heard. M Sargent's direction is dynamic and involved -- sometimes (4th concerto) I get the impression of listening to Schnabel vs. Sargent upon a theme of Beethoven! The result is, as far as I know, unique -- and, don't get me wrong: it *is* Beethoven.

2CDs (2&5 / 3&4) Testament (old copies; again, don't know the new cat Nos)
kr4ef94
208 posts
 
Abstract7 wrote: Please educate me further. In the liner notes it states: "This is the first recroding on the MA Recrodings label that consistes of a strictly "classical" program." Todd Garfinkle..

Then Todd forgets his recording of Vol. 1 of the Ginastera piano works from some years back. Of, mebbe, the quotes around the word, classical, permit the hedging.

Kal
gregm OP
3,395 posts
 
Szell / 10/8

It's not only Curzon's piano musicality (superior indeed) that makes me single out this performance. Rather, Szell's conducting in the maestoso (hair-raisingingly intense) makes this a "triple" concerto where the star players are Curzon, the LSO, Szell, all in a harmony game. I know there are other contenders for this concerto (Barenboim, etc) but the passion in this interpretation can and does give me goose-bumps...
Decca Legends, CD, 466 376-2

Guys, gals, if anyone is onto this, do give your favourites!
yu11375
137 posts
 
9/9

The op. 15 itself is unique among Brahms's compositions. For me, it is a piece that Brahms reveal his feeling so explicitly without any hesitation comparing with over-cautious symphony No.1 (op. 68), well-structured double concerto (op. 102) and retro-perspective clarinet quintet (op. 115).

Passion is definitely the key for this work. Jochum seldom revealed his passion frankly; it stays the same in this recording. But during his over-60-year conductor tenure, he cited this performance by his late-age recollection. It could be not exciting but has its position in both performers careers.

yu11375
137 posts
 
Brahms 1st Piano Concerto, Gilels / Jochum / BPO,9/9

The op. 15 itself is unique among Brahms's compositions. For me, it is a piece that Brahms reveal his feeling so explicitly without any hesitation comparing with over-cautious symphony No.1 (op. 68), well-structured double concerto (op. 102) and retro-perspective clarinet quintet (op.115).

Passion is definitely the key for this work. Jochum seldom revealed his passion frankly; it stays the same in this recording. But during his over-60-year conductor tenure, he cited this performance by his late-age recollection. It could be not exciting but has its position in both performers careers.
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